Eastbourne War Hero Photo In Westminster Exhibition

The family of a popular war hero from Eastbourne, was invited to the Palace of Westminster to see an image of him displayed at a photography exhibition.

90-year-old Stan Coombe lived in Willingdon Trees, but sadly died earlier this year. He fought in the Second World War in 1945 and was a keen member of Eastbourne Homes’ Hampden Park & Willingdon Trees Area Panel.

Stan was shortlisted for the Ordinarily People: Extraordinary Lives photography competition, organised by The National Federation of ALMOs (NFA). The exhibition celebrates the lives of social housing residents who make a positive contribution to their communities.

People from across the country were invited to the formal opening of the exhibition and Stan’s son Gary and granddaughter Sarah attended, along with Eastbourne Homes’ Neighbourhood Caseworker Sarah Roberts, who originally nominated Stan for the award.

Stan’s family were given a tour of the House of Commons and met local MP Caroline Ansell, who knew Stan as they had collected for poppy day together in the past. The NFA had arranged for Caroline to see the exhibition with the family as she was Stan’s MP.

Sarah Roberts said, “It was a very moving day for everybody and Stan’s family were so proud to see his photo displayed in the Palace of Westminster. It’s a shame Stan wasn’t here to see it, but his legacy will live on.”